Hoppin’ news! Universal Epic Universe is now open — and you can save on your Universal Orlando tickets when you purchase through Undercover Tourist, up to $88 per ticket!
'Sup, Tad here — your resident gamer! Did you think Wizarding wands are the only accessory you'll want to have on you when you pass through Chronos and enter Universal Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort? Think again. Just beyond the green warp pipe portal lies Super Nintendo World, a land of princesses, plumbers, mushrooms and monkeys. From Super Mario Land to Donkey Kong Country, this iconic world is chock-full of fun games, challenges and surprises — all unlockable with a Super Nintendo World Power-Up Band. This handy-dandy bracelet is your key to the Mushroom Kingdom and beyond. Want a crash course in these babies? Well, without further ado, let's-a go!
Overview of the Super Nintendo World Power-Up Band
The Super Nintendo World Power-Up Band is an RFID silicone slap bracelet that links directly to your Universal Orlando Resort app via Universal Play. It allows you to punch bricks and ? blocks, uncover secret items and fully compete in challenges and games. The app virtually keeps track of the keys, coins, stamps and other awards you collect throughout your travels in Super Nintendo World.
There are eight designs available:
- Mario
- Luigi
- Princess Peach
- Princess Daisy
- Toad
- Yoshi
- Donkey Kong
- Diddy Kong
The character bands put you on that character's team in Universal Play. The Power-Up Bands cost $45, plus tax. (Passholder discounts apply.) You can purchase all characters in Epic Universe at Other Worlds Mercantile, the Nintendo Super Star Store, 1-Up Factory and Mario Motors and at any Universal Studios Store at a Universal Orlando Resort hotel. You can also score Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong bands at Funky's Fly 'n' Buy in Donkey Kong Country.
Did you know you can also tap your Power-Up band to your Nintendo Switch to use as an amiibo? Each Power-Up Band can be used as amiibo for its corresponding character. For example, the Mario Power-Up Band functions in compatible titles as a Mario amiibo figure. To use, Power-Up Bands with the Nintendo Switch, the system must be up-to-date with the latest software update.
Linking the Super Nintendo World Power-Up Band
Wahoo! It's time to link your Super Nintendo World Power-Up Band to Universal Play. Begin by opening the Universal Orlando app. Under Universal Play, tap SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. Hit Play Now, and you'll be asked to scan the QR code on the back of your Power-Up Band. From there, you'll be assigned to your team and be asked to enter your player name and select your character image and character background. (Be aware that your player name might already be taken, so be prepared to get creative!) Once you're in, under the Options tab, you can edit your player information, follow other players, add a band or remove a band.
Using the Power-Up Band to Play Games and Collect Coins
"The Golden Mushroom was stolen! Bowser Jr. has locked it away. His minions guard the keys. Collect the keys to take back the Golden Mushroom! Power-Up Bands allow you to play in the Mushroom Kingdom! Punch blocks! Collect coins! Explore, discover and play."
Collect Coins
Find coins in unexpected places and see how many you can get by punching blocks, riding Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge and competing in the Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown. When you ride Mario Kart, touch your hand to the "M" on the steering wheel to link the band to the ride so you can collect your coins! Move your head and look to aim and throw items by hitting the buttons on the top of the steering wheel.
Collect Stamps
As you play and explore Super Nintendo World, you can collect stamps. Some are collected at touch points, which you can discover by tapping your Power-Up Band against hidden "M" and "DK" tap points. Others are acquired by completing certain tasks, from digital coin collection to defeating Bowser Jr.
There are five stamp collections:
- Super Mario Land
- Mario Kart
- Yoshi's Adventure
- Super Nintendo World
- Donkey Kong Country
Take a look at these collections ahead of time to give you clues about things you can find and do — many of which are repeatable! Clicking the yellow block under your username on the Home page will show you which stamps you've earned and which you've yet to collect in each collection and how many digital coins each stamp is worth.
Key Challenges
The only way to defeat Bowser Jr. and retrieve the Golden Mushroom is to participate in Key Challenges around Super Mario Land. Once you enter through Princess Peach's castle, you'll find all five key challenges on the left side of the second story of the Mushroom Kingdom.
Piranha Plant Nap Mishap: single player or multi-player (recommended)
"Shh, the very large Piranha Plant is napping! Quickly turn off all the alarm clocks to get it back to sleep and retrieve the key!"
Long story short, whenever an alarm clock turns red, slam it.
Goomba Crazy Crank: single player
"The Goomba is coming to get you! Keep turning the crank until the hill speeds up and Goomba falls off to retrieve the key!"
Make sure to get a good grip and turn the crank as fast as you can.
Koopa Troopa POWer Punch: single player
"The Red POW blocks make a chain reaction! Time your punch for the last red POW to blast the Koopa shell up the pipe and stun the Koopa Troopa to retrieve the key!"
There are two modes to this: easy and hard. Both are all about timing. If you're on easy mode (which you'll always start out on), hit the POW Block just as the shell is about to enter the pipe. If you're on hard mode (which you'll move to if you've completed easy mode), hit the POW Block just before the shell is about to hit the outer wall. Hitting the POW Block at the right time will start a chain reaction, which should launch the shell to take down a Koopa Troopa. Be strategic — you only have three tries.
Thwomp Panel Panic: single player or multi-player (recommended)
"Some panels flip together! Avoid the Thwomp's crash from above and quickly touch the panels to make them match to retrieve the key!"
Decide which color you're making the tiles and quickly tap them to make them all one color.
Bob-Omb Kaboom Room: single player or multi-player (recommended)
"Beware the Bob-omb's explosion! Find and assemble the pieces to retrieve the key!"
Run around the room to collect the puzzle pieces. Then quickly assemble them in the center screen to form and retrieve your key.
Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown
Once you've earned three keys, head to Bowser Jr.'s lair to compete in his Shadow Showdown and retrieve the Golden Mushroom. Up to 12 players can partake in this competition at a time. Here's how to play:
- SWAT Bob-ombs away.
- DUCK to dodge Bullet Bills.
- JUMP to hit ? blocks.
- SWING your arms to throw fireballs.
This is one of our can't-miss experiences in Super Nintendo World that's truly fun for the whole family, so get to playing those key challenges!
Rankings
Hit the Rank icon to see how well you and your team are doing.
Team
Team points refresh every hour. Remember, whichever Power-Up Band you have is which team you're on.
Daily
See where you rank on any given day.
All-Time
See where you rank on the all-time leaderboard.
Mario Kart
See where you rank for Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge.
Bowser Jr.
See where you rank for Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown coin collection.
Map
Click on the Map icon to see Activities Maps for Super Nintendo World (i.e. Super Mario Land) and Donkey Kong Country. Here's where you'll find the locations of ? blocks, tap points, key challenges, attractions, character meet-and-greets and so much more!
Is a Power-Up Band Necessary?
With so much mouthwatering food to try and other awesome swag to procure in Super Nintendo World (and around the whole of Epic Universe), a Power-Up Band might not necessarily be on your shopping list. That being said, if you're a huge fan of the Super Mario games and want to fully compete in the challenges and games, you'll need a Power-Up Band. (To compete in the Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown, at least one member of your party needs a Power-Up Band.) Without one, there's still plenty to do around the world with three incredible attractions, four delicious dining options and five iconic characters to meet!
If you're planning on making multiple trips to the Mushroom Kingdom and beyond, a Power-up Band is definitely worth it, especially since they work at all Super Nintendo Worlds, including Hollywood and Japan!
And, of course, you can also share Power-Up Bands! The caveat is that all stamps, coins and keys collected will be linked to the band's one account on Universal Play. Also, if you're partaking in the single-player key challenges, you will need to wait in line again for any other frogs in your party to use the band and play.
Power-Up Band Tips
Here are our top tips for using Super Nintendo World Power-Up Bands:
- Choose your band based on the team you want to join.
- Secure your band with the lock provided. (These babies like to roll up around your wrist otherwise.) If a team member unboxes your Power-Up Band at a register, make sure you walk away with your lock and it doesn't get thrown out with the box.
- Use the Universal Orlando Resort app to find challenges and boxes in the world.
- Don't froget to tap your Power-Up Band to the steering wheel on Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge to get credit for riding!
- Check your rankings in the app or at the checkpoint screens around the world.
- Come back at the end of the night to play challenges when the world is all lit up in bright colors. (We ended one night on Mine-Cart Madness and spent another half hour or so playing around Super Mario Land on our way out with no lines!)
- Use sun protection. Hats and sunscreen can help protect your skin while you wait for all those outside challenges. If you get sunscreen residue on your Power-Up Band, just use a wet wipe to clean it (speaking from experience!).
Will you be picking up a Super Nintendo World Power-Up Band? Which team do you want to join? Let us know in the comments below!
Related: How to Use Super Nintendo World Power-Up Bands at Universal Studios Hollywood
Related: Our Guide to Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe
Stay cool!
